Iraq's top Shiite cleric Hamoudi says 'correcting course' is now unavoidable

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, president of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, said on Thursday that the country is going through a difficult period and that correcting the country's course is now an unavoidable choice. Hamoudi made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the parliamentary and local-government branches of the Ishbil Yemen Alliance, where he said Iraq is navigating a complex phase driven by regional developments and internal crises. He stressed that the alliance will firmly support efforts to combat corruption and to reassert state authority and the rule of law, adding that it will not remain a bystander in the process. Hamoudi called on members of parliament and local administration to place the country's interests above personal gain, remain close to the public and defend their rights. Hamoudi also said the current period requires a clear vision, transparency and open positions, and that the alliance will back any initiative aimed at strengthening honesty and trust at the national level. He did not provide further details on specific measures under consideration.